The Continent of Love Lives Up to Its Name (Seeking Follow-up Reads)

The first lesson at Shrek Academy was quite simple, consisting merely of mutual introductions to get to know one another.

However, Fu Qin's strength left those present feeling shocked.

After all, to be able to cultivate to the level of a Soul Elder at his age was absolutely the mark of a monstrous genius.

The "three scoundrels" of Shrek naturally introduced themselves as well.

As a transmigrator, Fu Qin was naturally well aware of their backgrounds.

Yet, the performance of those three was, quite frankly.

(⊙o⊙)... Indescribable.

Dai Mubai's eyes had not moved from Zhu Zhuqing for even a second.

Oscar's Sausage Martial Soul, paired with his sleazy tone—constantly spouting "I have a big sausage"—made one's scalp tingle.

Ma Hongjun was even more blunt; his eyes were always darting toward the girls, and the lewd jokes never stopped leaving his mouth. Their unlikable demeanor actually made Fu Qin feel they were somewhat authentic.

As for their Martial Souls, ages, and soul power, there was almost no difference from what Fu Qin knew in his previous life.

Dai Mubai, sixteen years old, level thirty-seven assault-system battle Soul Elder; Oscar, fourteen years old, level twenty-nine auxiliary-system Soul Elder; Ma Hongjun, thirteen years old, level twenty-seven assault-system battle Soul Master.

Fu Qin already knew these details by heart, so hearing them state their own backgrounds now was merely a confirmation.

What concerned him more was the state of Zhao Wuji.

Although Zhao Wuji looked sullen and his clothes were somewhat disheveled, there wasn't a single scratch on his body from any fight.

Fu Qin understood in his heart that the plot from the original work, where Tang San was harassed by Zhao Wuji and Tang Hao came in the middle of the night to beat him up, had ultimately been changed due to his intervention.

The butterfly effect is truly terrifying, but this is also for the best; it saves some unnecessary trouble.

He muttered to himself, his footsteps never stopping as he walked toward Suotuo City.

Dean Flender had announced that the first class would be in the evening, and Fu Qin had instantly guessed the destination.

The Great Soul Arena of Suotuo City.

That place was the starting point where the Shrek Seven Devils made their mark in the original story. Real-combat soul duels could both help the team find their rhythm and earn points; it was truly Flender's style.

And the fact that Oscar and Ning Rongrong were singled out to run was also within expectations; an auxiliary-system soul master couldn't function without physical stamina.

It was just that Fu Qin hadn't expected Ning Rongrong's temper to be exactly the same as in the original work.

The little witch of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect lived up to her reputation; she quit after running only two laps, declaring she was going to Suotuo City to eat desserts. That spoiled, willful appearance actually made Fu Qin feel she was somewhat cute.

Of course, he wasn't the type to sit idle anyway.

With Shrek Academy being so dilapidated, how could he possibly stay there all the time?

"Xiao Wu, you don't need to follow me."

Fu Qin turned back to look at the girl's sparkling eyes, his tone softening.

Although he was only playing along, the favorability on his

System Panel

could not be faked.

╮(╯▽╰)╭

"Tang San is meticulous. If we walk too closely, it will be easy for him to see through the clues."

The smile on Xiao Wu's face instantly collapsed, her eyes filled with disappointment. Her fingers gripped his sleeve tightly, her voice carrying a hint of grievance.

"But I want to go with you."

Fu Qin's heart softened; he raised his hand to ruffle her hair, his fingertips brushing against her reddened earlobes.

"Be a good girl, Xiao Wu. Go back and cultivate well. If you want, I'll come to keep you company tonight."

Hearing Fu Qin's words, a flush of crimson instantly rose to Xiao Wu's cheeks.

She bit her lower lip as if wanting to say something, but in the end, she simply stood on her tiptoes and quickly pressed a soft kiss to his lips.

The touch was warm and fleeting. Before Fu Qin could even savor it, Xiao Wu had already run off with a blushing face.

"You must come to my room tonight."

The streets of Suotuo City were far livelier than Shrek Academy.

Hawking and laughter rose one after another, and the air was filled with the aroma of various snacks.

Fu Qin followed the flow of people to the snack street. He had just bought a skewer of Sugar-Fried Fruit and taken a bite—the exterior was crispy and the interior was tender, the sweet and sour taste melting on the tip of his tongue—when he heard a delicate yet flustered voice from behind him.

"Fu Qin? Why are you here too?"

Fu Qin turned around to see Ning Rongrong standing not far away. Her pink dress set off her skin, which was as white as snow, and there was a fine layer of sweat on her forehead; she had clearly run out.

The girl's eyes were bright, flashing with a hint of surprise before becoming evasive. Her small hands twisted her skirt unconsciously; she was clearly feeling guilty, remembering that she had snuck out.

Fu Qin pretended to be surprised and raised an eyebrow, handing over the Sugar-Fried Fruit in his hand.

"The team just disbanded, and I wanted to come out for a stroll. I didn't expect to run into you. What's the matter, did you run out to eat dessert?"

Ning Rongrong's thoughts were laid bare, and her cheeks flushed slightly. She took the Sugar-Fried Fruit and took a bite, the sweetness diluting her nervousness. She lifted her chin and said, pretending to be calm.

"It's not sneaking out; I just find running too boring. Disciples of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect don't need to train such useless physical stamina."

Watching her stubborn expression, Fu Qin couldn't help but laugh. "Oh? Then why don't I accompany you for a stroll? I haven't really tried the desserts in Suotuo City yet. Would you like to join me for a bite?"

Ning Rongrong's eyes lit up, instantly casting her previous panic to the back of her mind as she grabbed his sleeve and pulled him forward.

"Really? Big Brother Fu Qin, you're the best!"

Her fingertips were warm, carrying the unique softness of a young girl.

Fu Qin could clearly feel that touch. Unlike Xiao Wu's mature intellect, the Ning Rongrong of this moment, who had yet to awaken the memories of her past life, was just like a little girl.

He let Ning Rongrong pull him through the crowd, the girl's laughter as crisp as silver bells.

Whenever Ning Rongrong encountered a stall that interested her, she would stop to examine it closely, chattering away with endless questions. That air of innocence mixed with her usual wilfulness made her seem like a completely different person from the little demoness who would throw tantrums at the academy.

Fu Qin followed by her side, occasionally handing her a napkin to wipe away dessert crumbs from the corner of her mouth.

When his fingertips inadvertently brushed against her cheek, Ning Rongrong flinched as if scalded, her face turning bright red in an instant. Her gaze became evasive, yet she did not let go of his sleeve.

This subtle ambiguity began to permeate between them.

Fu Qin knew clearly that his Fate Arises and Fades buff was beginning to take effect.

Coupled with his appearance, which was nearly irresistible to both men and women, Ning Rongrong's favorability was increasing by the minute.

Little did they know.

At a nearby alley entrance, Dean Flender was hidden in the shadows, his sharp eyes taking in everything.

He stroked the beard on his chin, a meaningful smile curling the corners of his mouth.

"This kid certainly has a way with women, though Ning Rongrong's foul temper really does need to be changed."

Fu Qin vaguely sensed a prying gaze and subconsciously looked toward the alley, but he discovered nothing.

He frowned, then relaxed; he figured Flender must have followed Ning Rongrong out.

Given the dean's personality, he was surely keeping an eye on Ning Rongrong's movements while incidentally observing him as well.